Abstract
Purpose: :
To document the clinical presentation, associated systemic disease, and visual prognosis of pediatric optic neuritis in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
Methods: :
60 children admitted for acute optic neuropathy were retrospectively reviewed in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital since 1998~2008. Optic neuritis was diagnosed on the basis of patient history, visual loss, relative afferent pupillary defect ( RAPD ) sign, color vision defect, and ancillary test including visual field (VF) and visual evoked potential (VEP) after excluding infectious, trauma, and compressive origin.
Results: :
26 patients with total 42 eyes met the criteria for diagnosis of optic neuritis. Age at onset ranged from 5 years old to 17 years old. There was a female predilection (61.5%). Bilateral involvement was present in 64.5% of patients, disc swelling was present in 57.1% of patients. In view of systemic association, a preceding viral illness was present in 7 patients ( 30.4%). Among these associated systemic diseases, ADEM( acute disseminated encephalomyelitis ) is the most common associated disease. Final visual acuity over 20/40 was present in 23 eyes ( 67.6% ).
Conclusions: :
patients with bilateral involvement, disc swelling have more favorable visual outcome. Image study is needed in all children because associated systemic disease such as ADEM is common.
Keywords: optic nerve • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: outcomes/complications